David Tom Sawyer, a local banker and civic leader, has announced his plans to run for Polk County Commissioner District 1.

Sawyer will seek the post in the November General Election running as a Republican.

Sawyer grew up in Polk County. He is a 1976 graduate of Cedartown High School and a 1981 graduate of the Jacksonville State University with a B.S. degree and a major in finance. He is also a 2000 graduate of the Georgia Academy for Economic Development.

The candidate began his banking career 21 years ago and is presently employed by Regions Bank in Cedartown and Rockmart, where he serves as the senior vice president and senior lender.

Sawyer has been very active throughout Polk County. He served on the Polk County Chamber Board of Directors from 1997 to 2001. He served as chairman of that board in 1999. He was recently presented with the Polk County Chamber’s “Chairman Award” recognizing his leadership, involvement and accomplishments with the chamber.

He has served on the Cedartown Main Street Advisory Board (MSAB) since 1997 and is presently past chairman. During his term on the MSAB he has been instrumental in bringing to reality the “Master Plan” concept that is presently underway downtown.

He is a former member of the Rockmart Kiwanis Club, Polk County Extension Service Advisory board, and Polk County Friends of Scouting, serving as director in 1999 and 2000.

Currently, he is a member of the First Baptist Church of Cedartown serving as director of the boys mission program, Royal Ambassadors and is an ordained deacon.

As a candidate he explained why he was running,

“I am a business person who understands fiscal management as well as a people person who understands and values the importance of leadership and leading by example.

“I believe that my education, experience and desire to do what is right for all of Polk County could benefit the present situation and future of our county. I pledge to be forward thinking while never forgetting who we are and where we came from. I pledge to listen and be open minded to different views. I will strive to insure that the board functions as it was created to function and be a proper example for others to follow. As a board we should determine priorities and set goals then work together to reach those goals.

“As a county we need to realize the importance of this board. We need to realize that we are about a county with revenue in excess of $18 million. It is important that we elect leaders who are best qualified to handle these types of responsibilities and the challenges ahead”.

“I don’t look at this as if I am running for office, but rather that I am offering myself to serve all of the people of Polk County. However, it is up to you to make it happen.”

Sawyer is married to the former Brigitte Smith of Cedartown. They have three children, Andrew, Hillery, and William David. His parents are Tom and Billie Sawyer of Cedartown.

Says Sawyer of his character: “My father, who is deceased, a dairy farmer and small business owner, and my mother, a registered nurse for over 35 years, provided me with a tremendous example of work ethic and values”.